LEVEL
389.9
SURVIVAL DIFFICULTY
CLASS 1
Exit: 2/5
Somewhat Difficult to Exit
Environment: 1/5
Low Environmental Risk
Entities: 0/5
No Hostile Entities
The typical environment of Level 389.9.
Level 389.9, also known as Early-Onset, is a sub-level of Level 389, and is the home of Entity 299.
Description
Level 389.9 is an everchanging maze of multicolored hallways, illuminated with lighting of an indeterminable source. The level is typically described by wanderers as “glitchy” and “disorienting”, being extremely hard to navigate due to the constant environmental changes and shifting appearance. The walls are patterned with multicolored squares, though they constantly shift and distort perspective (for example, a solid wall could be perceived as a hallway). Because of the nature of Level 389.9, an approximate size is impossible to calculate. However, it is rarely ever larger than a few rooms.
One of the paintings found on Level 389.9.
When navigating Level 389.9 for extended periods of time, wanderers will hear whispering voices which range drastically in tone and pitch, but rarely is more than one distinguishable voice heard. Accompanying these auditory hallucinations are also visual hallucinations, in the form of vague figures and indeterminable objects only observable from one's peripheral vision in fleeting glimpses. While both of these “hallucinations” are a universal experience among wanderers and have been recorded to interact with the environment, they pose no physical threat.
On rare occasions, furniture and decoration can be found deeper within the level. Most commonly found are paintings on the walls, usually surreal or psychedelic in style.
Phenomena
Photo taken during The Blackout
“The Blackout”
When The Game Player is absent from Level 389.9, it will enter the “Blackout” state. During said state, the level will lose its shifting properties and its surfaces will become cold, somewhat damp concrete. As nearly all light disappears in this state, it is recommended to bring flashlights if intending to explore Level 389.9.
Entities
The Game Player
Entity 299, also known as “The Game Player”, is the sole inhabitant and presumed creator of Level 389.9. He can sometimes be seen sitting against a wall and writing in a journal. However, he quickly disappears from sight whenever he realizes he's being observed. Whether or not he teleports away or turns "invisible" is unconfirmed, however, he does not leave the level as it does not go into the Blackout state when he does so.
During an exploration of Level 389.9, a leather-bound journal was found on the floor, with “Victor’s Journal” engraved on the front. Inside the journal was documentation of the Backrooms, with writings and detailed sketches of many levels. While most of the journal was chicken scratch, it notably includes the earliest known reference to a poster of Entity 99, dated from roughly 1997. While currently unconfirmed, many believe that this journal was written by The Game Player and that Level 389.9 is a manifestation of Victor's mental state, as shown in his writings.
Gallery
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
Photographed entrance from Level 389
Level 389.9 can be entered by finding a glitched portal somewhere on the floor, wall, or ceiling in Level 389. While exceedingly rare, finding a similar entrance from other levels is also possible.
Exits
It is possible to find an open hole in the floor of 389.9 during the Blackout state, which leads directly back into Level 389.
